School Caretaker

Put your practical skills to work in a varied, permanent role where your work keeps a busy school safe, welcoming and running smoothly.

Maintenance and Caretaking Operative

Location: Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6
Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday
Contract: Permanent, full time, 52 weeks per year
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience

Start date: October 2026
Closing date: 8am on Monday 31 August 2026

A practical role where every day is different

Do you enjoy fixing problems, working with your hands and taking pride in seeing a job properly finished?

Claires Court is looking for a reliable and experienced Maintenance and Caretaking Operative to join its Estates Team. This hands on role will suit someone who enjoys variety, uses their initiative and is happy turning their skills to whatever the day brings.

One day you might repair a door, sort out a plumbing problem or assemble furniture. The next could involve safety checks, preparing rooms for an event or helping maintain the grounds and swimming pool.

You will help keep the school’s buildings, grounds and facilities safe, secure and well presented for pupils, staff and visitors.

About the role

You will carry out planned and reactive maintenance across the school sites, including general repairs, basic plumbing, simple electrical tasks, painting, decorating and carpentry.

You will also support deliveries, room setups, grounds care, site security and routine compliance checks. Occasional out of hours callouts may be required, but these are infrequent and paid as overtime or given back as time off in lieu.

Key responsibilities

Complete day to day repairs and general maintenance
Diagnose faults and find safe, practical solutions
Carry out basic plumbing, decorating, carpentry and minor electrical tasks
Maintain doors, locks, windows, flooring, furniture and fittings
Complete fire alarm and emergency lighting checks
Support school events, deliveries and equipment moves
Keep external areas and facilities safe and presentable
Update maintenance jobs using a smartphone or computer
About you

You may have worked in maintenance, facilities, caretaking, property repairs or as a multi skilled handy person. Previous school experience would be useful, but it is not essential.

You will need practical maintenance experience, good judgement and the ability to prioritise urgent work.

You will also bring:

A positive, practical and helpful approach
Good organisation and time management
The ability to work independently and as part of a team
A polite and professional manner
The physical ability to lift equipment, use ladders and work outdoors
A full, clean UK driving licence
A trade qualification or relevant safety certificates would be useful, but are not essential.

What Claires Court offers

A permanent Monday to Friday role
A good pension scheme
Free parking at each school site
Uniform and equipment provided
Meals and refreshments during the school day when the kitchen is operating
Death in service cover and personal accident insurance
Cycle to work scheme
School fee concession, subject to qualifying conditions
Regular professional development and training opportunities
Overtime or time off in lieu for occasional callouts
Varied work with visible results
Supportive colleagues and a positive working environment
The chance to become a valued member of the Estates Team
What Happens After You Apply?

Applications will be reviewed as soon as they are received. A member of the recruitment team will contact suitable candidates to discuss their experience and interest in the role.

Suitable candidates will be sent the Claires Court application pack. The completed form must be returned directly to the school. A CV cannot be accepted in place of the school’s application form.

Claires Court will review completed applications and invite shortlisted candidates to interview.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Claires Court reserves the right to interview and appoint before the closing date, so early applications are encouraged.

Claires Court is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Applicants must undergo appropriate child protection screening, including checks with previous employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.

No agencies, please
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed